The Beauty Pageant Blog

The Wardrobe of a Queen-Elizabeth II

2009-07-04T07:32:00.004-05:00

This summer 28 key dresses from the Queen's wardrobe archive go on display at Buckingham Palace. On her first Commonwealth tour alone the Queen took 100 different outfits in 1953. Add all the tours she has made since then and you get an awful lot of dresses.

It was Autumn 1953. The world waits for the first sight of its new leader. After half a century of middle-aged men, the idea of a beautiful young woman ruling over the Commonwealth seems like the stuff of fairy tales. For millions of Australians, Canadians and Indians, Queen Elizabeth II is more than a figurehead; she is the living embodiment of authority, elegance and grace. Stepping out in a series of dazzling dresses, many of them by the legendary couturier Norman Hartnell, the 27-year-old embarks on a six-month tour throughout the Commonwealth countries that will cement her position as ruler of much of the free world.

Since that first tour the Queen has made 170 official visits to Commonwealth countries – they still account for about a third of her foreign travel. Over that time she has used her outfits to craft carefully an image of a world leader. Politics are important, but clothes are crucial, too. Resplendent in satin, shimmering with beadwork, adorned with priceless jewels, the young Queen used her wardrobe to send a message to the world about status, power and her unique place in history.

Starting as a young woman in fairytale ball-gowns, she has moved through the crisp tailoring of the 1960s and into the softer lines of the 1970s, before settling into her present incarnation as a chic senior stateswoman whose style is admired by a younger generation (the model Agyness Deyn has cited her as a style icon). This summer 28 key dresses from the Queen’s wardrobe archive go on display (along with jewellery and millinery) at Buckingham Palace as part of 'Queen and Commonwealth: the Royal Tour’, an exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth.

Read more at Telegraph.co.uk

Hound Dog Homecoming King and Queen

2009-07-04T07:02:00.003-05:00

COLUMBIA — With tiaras on their heads, a trophy in their owners' hands and a gift basket for later, Lola and Rocco received perks galore for being crowned Hound Dog Homecoming queen and king Sunday afternoon.

The crowning ceremony was one of the highlights of the Central Missouri Humane Society fundraiser, which brought Columbia pet lovers together to enjoy an afternoon of carnival events.

The third annual Hound Dog Homecoming included a doggy kissing booth, musical sit, dog paw painting and a duck pond.

Throughout the fundraiser, participants also entered their pets in various contests, including best dressed, biggest shedder, most unique and best trick.

The winner of each contest was determined by local celebrity judges Lauren Whitney from KOMU; Paul Pepper and James Mouser from "Pepper & Friends"; and Amanda Huhman and Libby Burkes, who helped the shelter win the Zootoo contest in April.

The homecoming queen and king contest required more work from the dogs' owners. For this competition, contestants worked from May 1 to this past Friday to raise money for the shelter. Whoever earned the most money would have their dogs deemed queen and king.

Patty Forister, executive director of the Central Missouri Humane Society, said competitors did everything from soliciting on Facebook to using fake smear campaigns against the other dogs in the competition.

All of the homecoming queen and king competitors earned a combined $4,076 for the Humane Society, which doesn’t include the amount the shelter made at Sunday's event. Organizers are still tabulating the final fundraising total.

Read more here

First National Flag

2009-06-30T21:13:00.004-05:00

The first national flag had thirteen stars and thirteen bars. The bars symbolize union - oneness, and the constellation of thirteen stars symbolizes thirteen independent states or metaphysically 13 areas of awareness to be recognized. They are Virginia, Love.....Massachusetts, freedom.....New Hampshire, beauty .....New Jersey, industrious.....New York, growth.....Maryland, abundance.....Rhode Island, freedom.....Connecticut, fundamental order.....Delaware, peace.....North Carolina, strength....South Carolina, positive awareness.....Pennsylvania, from the word commonwealth - well being.....and Georgia, independence...

Source

Friends, Fans Mourn the Death of 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson

2009-06-30T18:37:00.003-05:00

The tragic death of Michael Jackson has shocked the world, and messages of grief and appreciation have poured in from his family and close friends in Hollywood and around the globe.

"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me," said Jackson's ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley.

"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing," Brooke Shields said in a statement.

Madonna also issued a statement, saying: "I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever. My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

"Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly,"said Russell Simmons, hip-hop entrepreneur and founder of Def-Jam Records.

Al Sharpton said he had spoken to Jackson recently about upcoming concerts planned in Great Britain.

"In my last conversations, including the conversations a couple of months ago when I was teasing him that I was coming to England to see him perform again, he talked about how many people had let him down, but I told him it didn't matter, he never let the fans down," Sharpton said at a news conference.

"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words," said Quincy Jones, who produced "Thriller." "He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Singer Dionne Warwick said: "Michael was a friend and undoubtedly one of the world's greatest entertainers that I fortunately had the pleasure of working with. ... We have lost an icon in our industry."

Neil Portnow, the president of The Recording Academy, said Jackson's career "transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories."

“Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson," Portnow said. "He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim."

Among the fellow musicians morning the loss was R&B singer Ginuwine, who told FOX News that words couldn’t describe how he felt at the news of Jackson’s death.

“When I heard that, I said, that can’t be true," he said. "You almost don’t want to believe it.”

But Hollywood heavyweight – and former Jackson publicist — Michael Levine told FOXNews.com he wasn’t surprised by the devastating news.

"Michael has been on an impossibly difficult and often self-destructive journey for years," Levine said. "His talent was unquestionable, but so too was his discomfort with the norms of the world. A human simply can not withstand this level of prolonged stress.''

FOXNews.com also spoke exclusively to Jon Cohen, the former head of Jackson's label "A&R Records" who was still in close contact with and a good friend of the King of Pop.

"We spoke recently and he was in very high spirits. I wasn't aware of any heart problems and he was in good health," Cohen said. "I am in complete shock. He was so excited for the tour, it really would have been a comeback. He was rehearsing and up to the task. Michael was a very knowledgeable man. He was full of life and was such a visionary. More than anything, he loved his children very much."

"From his performances with the Jackson 5 to the premiere of the 'moonwalk' and 'Thriller,' Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity," California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

"Though there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe," Schwarzenegger said.

In New York's Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone.

"No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow," Michael Harris, 36, of New York City, read from a text message a friend sent to his telephone. "It's like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died."

Benjamin Todd Jealous, president of the NAACP, issued a statement, saying: "Michael's example of musical artistry was rooted in the proud tradition of black American music. His career trajectory — from the working-class streets of industrial Gary, Ind., during the post-World War II boom, to the heights of the entertainment industry — is a classic example of black American achievement, and of the American Dream."

Click here for more from myFOXla.com

2009-06-30T11:10:00.004-05:00

Remembering Farrah Fawcett: A Look Back
Farrah Fawecett's career in TV commecials, as an episodic guest star on television shows, starring in a highly popular TV series, and films is what I'll be looking back on. Her famous 1970's hairdo inspired a real-life princess.

http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1880870/remembering_farrah_fawcett_a_look_back.html

Meet Five Former Pageant Queens Who ‘MADE’ It Big!

2009-06-29T15:12:00.009-05:00

As anyone who’s seen Miss Congeniality knows, Miss United States isn’t a beauty pageant … it’s a scholarship fund. And for these five women, walking away with the crown (and a hefty chunk of pocket change!) was just the beginning. In honor of today’s MADE, read up on a few high profile ladies who used their pageant success to jump-start their careers!

If you followed the 2008 presidential elections, you might remember that Sarah Palin’s got some old pageant gowns gathering dust in her closet. The former Miss Wasilla placed third in the Miss Alaska pageant in 1984, then went on to become Governor of Alaska (and VP nominee, don’tcha know)!

Broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer also has the distinction of being a teen pageant queen! The budding newswoman won the America’s Junior Miss crown in 1962, and used the scholarship money to pay for her college education. (We’re betting she aced the interview portion.)

Although you probably know her best from her Basic Instinct/ice pick-wielding days, Sharon Stone first emerged as a local beauty queen. The future sexpot was Spring Festival Queen of her hometown and 1976 Miss Crawford County. Oh, and did we mention her IQ’s 154?

Before she was the most famous/powerful talk show host in the world (planet? universe??), Oprah Winfrey was queen of the pageant world! The soon-to-be superstar was Miss Fire Prevention in 1971 and Miss Black Tennessee in 1972. And that’s no “secret”.

Sure, she’s household name (and Academy Award winner) now … but back in the day, Halle Berry was all about the beauty pageants. This former Miss Ohio (and one-time Bond girl!) was first runner-up to Miss USA in 1986.
MTV Remote Control-Source

80 nations battle it out for title of “The World’s Most Desirable Man”

2009-06-24T01:19:00.006-05:00

Finally, Mr. World's new website is live and it was worth the wait! Mr World 2009 to be held in Seoul, Korea - 18th September – 3rd October! Over 2 weeks of competition the men "will take part in a series of events that test their strength, stamina, mental agility and determination to succeed in the face of adversity. Only the very best will make it our Live Stage Final where they will then be judged on their style, performance and star quality. The winner of Mr World will take home a cash prize of $50,000 USD and the opportunity of lucrative contracts.
Events that this year’s contestants will participate in will include the Extreme Sports Challenge, where their stamina and physical endurance be pushed to the limit as they have to conquer a well known Korean landmark and the Korean Cooking Challenge, where the men will try their hand at cooking local delicacies.
The 2 hour live television broadcast will showcase the beautiful country of Korea, to over 100 countries, highlighting its spectacular scenery, fascinating history and diverse culture as our nations travel the country to face each new challenge."
Read more at MrWorld.TV

Paris Hilton's 1st BFF Pageant

2009-06-23T14:25:00.002-05:00

Watch a full playback of it on her reality show
Paris Hilton My New BFF

Meet the New Miss California USA

2009-06-18T23:52:00.002-05:00

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Tami Farrell, who became Miss California USA last week when Donald Trump dumped Carrie Prejean, promises to avoid controversy during the five months of her reign.

Tami Farrell became Miss California USA last week and is set to reign for five months.

"I'm trying my best to kind of calm the waters," Farrell said in an interview Sunday at the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.

Prejean's same-sex marriage comments, semi-nude photos and personal feud with state pageant officials contributed to a storm of controversy that brought unusual attention to the title Farrell now carries.

"I think that everything in life happens for a reason, and I'm just blessed to have this opportunity," Farrell said.

Farrell, 24, said, "it's been a crazy few days" since Wednesday, when she got the call that Prejean had been ousted.

"I keep stepping into controversy, but hopefully I can avoid it for a while," she said.

She hopes the extra attention will help launch her show business career.

"A couple of my favorite music groups have called, because I sing, so maybe we could record something together," she said. Farrell did not name the groups.

She is also a writer and has had meetings in recent days about a screenplay she's written.

Source

Lily of the Valley Diamond Tiara

2009-06-18T23:06:00.004-05:00

The lily-of-the-valley diamond tiara was made by Boucheron for Princess Augusta Victoria of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (1890 -1966). She was the wife of King Manuel II of Portugal who had lost his throne before they married and lived in exile in England. She was the wife of King Manuel II of Portugal who had lost his throne before they married and lived in exile in England.
The Queen of Portugal is wearing the Boucheron diamond tiara together with some string of pearls, pearl ring and pearl pendants, bracelets and her spectacular collier de chien , known from her famous Lazlo portrait. Boucheron was a keen observer of nature and specialized in botanical jewellery; he brought something greater than realism to the translation of living plants into jewels. Together with the quality of setting in the diamonds and the originality of the design, his work is easily recognizable to the expert eye.

See Poll Results:: Should Carrie Prejean (Miss California) be stripped of her crown?

2009-06-18T22:52:00.003-05:00

See Detailed Poll Results:: Should Carrie Prejean (Miss California) be stripped of her crown?

Royal Quote

2009-06-18T22:40:00.002-05:00

Royal Quote

2009-06-18T01:20:00.005-05:00

Scandal occupied during Miss Guatemala Pageant 2009

2009-06-07T08:22:00.002-05:00

Former titleholder Jennifer Chiong speaks up against pageant organizer during the 2009 coronation of Miss Guatemala Pageant on May 25.

The catfight is no longer behind the scene, as the former titleholder strikes upon to the pageant stage. Chiong brought her own version of farewell speech despite her dismissal over 5 months ago.

Ms Chiong's crown was removed last December. The organizer claimed that the beauty vandalized the contract by not fulfilling her official duties enough. Jenifer Chiong represented Guatemala during the Miss Universe Pageant in Vietnam last year, and she travelled to her native Central America Continent for Miss Costa Maya Pageant where she won.

This would not be her first controversy. Last Year, Chiong went on to compete in Queen of American Hispanic where she caused an upset on the Bolivian Organizer, and she left the pageant without finishing it. Ms Chiong was alleging the rudeness of the pageant stuff toward her which later was dismissed by the Organizer. The rest delegates claimed that they had the same treatment from the pageant stuff and they were satisfied with it.

Despite the chaos the pageant went on with the crowning of the new Miss Guatemala International and she is Miss Chiquimula, a 19yro blonde, Ivanna Bonilla Oliva.

Source

To see the complete Miss International 2009 Lineup

Ten Miss Worlds together to honor Chairman, Julia Morley

2009-06-07T08:15:00.003-05:00

Julia Morley, Chairman of the Miss World Organisation, was inaugurated by Variety, The Children’s Charity, as their new International President at a Royal Dinner held in the Guildhall in the City of London on the 5th May.

On a night that celebrated charity and goodwill it was announced that since the inception of the Julia Morley’s Beauty with a Purpose theme, the total amount raised by the Miss World Organisation has risen to over $500 million. Special recognition went to Zi Lin Zhang (Miss World 2007) who raised a record $32 million during her reign, whilst present Miss World, Ksenia Sukinhova has already raised $17 million during her first three months.

Ksenia and nine previous Miss World winners spanning almost six decades flew in from all over the world to support the event. This occasion was the first time outside of the competition that this many previous Miss World winners have been together in the same place.

Source

Mr World to be held in Korea in September!

2009-06-07T08:06:00.001-05:00

MW news release @ Yahoo! Video

80 countries will compete for Mr World 2009. For the very first time the event will be held in Korea. Julia Morley said 'I am so delighted that we will have the opportunity to showcase the beautiful country of Korea to the rest of the world as our contestants battle it out to find the worlds most desirable man'

Mr World website to go live June 8th, 2009!

2nd Miss Earth Eco-Fashion Design Competition

2009-06-07T07:36:00.004-05:00

From trash to something with class…

Miss Earth Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the 2nd Miss Earth Eco-Fashion Design Competition, a project that will once again showcase the skills and creativity of professional or even budding designers in the Philippines in coming up with timeless designs that are eco-friendly; perfect for the Earth’s most beautiful.

On November 4, 2008, the 1st Miss Earth Eco-Fashion Design Competition gathered more than 20 professional and non-professional designers all over the Philippines who showcased the Filipino indigenous materials and highlighted the Filipino culture and heritage in 49 colorful ensembles worn by Miss Earth 2008 candidates.

Mr. Ivan Raborar, a very talented young designer from South Cotabato was hailed the very first winner with his gown made of beads and the T’nalak cloth made the city’s indigenous people’s dream weavers.

This year, we are opening this competition once again to Filipino designers, fashion enthusiasts, students or any group to really prove that beautiful creations can spring from our discards in our joint local and global effort to help save Mother Earth.

To get full details go to Miss Earth Foundation

To see the Miss Earth National Pageant Calender

Miss Earth 2009, the 9th edition of Miss Earth Beauty Pageant, will be held between the 4th and 24th of October, 2009.

Miss Teen USA Fantasy Camp

2009-06-07T06:17:00.005-05:00

The Miss Teen USA Fantasy Camp promises to be a once in a lifetime 5 day pageant experience. It is open to all girls age 12-17 years of age. It takes place July 27th through Aug 1st, 2009 at the beautiful Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas! It looks great!

Read all the details at Miss Teen USA

76 Days until Miss Universe!-See Top Picks!

2009-06-07T04:32:00.008-05:00

Missosolgy's top fifteen choices are as follows:

1. Iveta Lutovská-CZECH REPUBLIC
2. Zsuzsa Budai-HUNGARY
3. Emiri Miyasaka-JAPAN
4. Ada Aimeé de la Cruz-DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
5. Kristina Kots-Gotlib-UKRAINE
6. Kristen Dalton-UNITED STATES
7. Stefania Fernandez-VENEZUELA
8. Jessica Umaña Solis-COSTA RICA
9. Diana Arno-ESTONIA
10. Rachael Finch-AUSTRALIA
11. Ekta Chowdhry-INDIA
12. Tatum Keshwar-SOUTH AFRICA
13. Begüm Kiziltug-TURKEY
14. Diana Croes-ARUBA
15. Michelle Rouillard-COLOMBIA
See all the delegates

Missosology.com does a great job with pageant analyzing and predictions! Check them out!

Make your own Miss Universe 2009 Countdown Widget at MyFlashFetish.com We Did!

Former Miss Washington says she led 'double life'

2009-06-07T03:48:00.003-05:00

YAKIMA, Wash. —
Elyse Umemoto championed diversity and women's issues during her reign as Miss Washington 2007.

While she was serving in that role - and partnering with the YWCA to publicize her platform of "Embracing Diversity, Empowering Women" - she now says she was privately living "a double life."

"I went from being a passionate advocate to a victim, quite literally a statistic," she said in an interview during a recent visit to the Yakima Valley. "One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime."

Umemoto is the oldest of four sisters, and one of the top three finishers at the 2008 Miss America pageant in Las Vegas. She made it as far as any Miss Washington ever has, tying with 1959's titleholder, Sharon Joyce Vaughn, of Port Orchard, as second runner-up.

Outside the limelight, Umemoto was dealing with domestic abuse.
Read more at The Seattle Times

What's Miss Ohio have against tanning booths?

2009-06-07T03:36:00.003-05:00

COLUMBUS -- Miss Ohio 2008 Karissa Martin stopped by the Statehouse in Columbus on Thursday to testify before the House Consumer Affairs and Economic Protection Committee in support of a bill that a generation ago might have lost her cool points on the pageant circuit.
House Bill 173 seeks to require children under age 18 to obtain a doctor's prescription to use tanning salons. The bill's co-sponsors believe that tanning increases the risk of skin cancer.

Testifying along with Martin were two dermatologists and a 26-year-old melanoma cancer survivor.

Martin, of Woodsfield, in southwest Ohio, adopted skin-cancer prevention as her pageant platform while competing for the Miss America crown earlier this year. The removal of a mole with abnormal skin cells when she was 14 (caused by sunburn) helped shape her cause celebre.

"I'm not someone to lay out in the sun. I'm not one to use a tanning bed," Martin, 20, said earlier in the month on the heels of a Statehouse news conference to recognize May as Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month in Ohio.

She admits that her stance isn't popular with everyone, including a niece in high school. "They all know how I feel about it. Do they still do it? Yes, sometimes."

Because melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is the second most common cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 35, Martin likes to take her message to young people. But it's not just cancer, she said.

"[Tanning] causes premature aging. It breaks down the collagen in the skin," she said.

Her fellow beauty queens may not be as outspoken about the risks of tanning, but they aren't unaware. "It's not something that you see as much at pageants anymore," Martin said.

"Many of the girls now use a spray tan."

Source

Miss Bikini International & Miss Leisure Pageant-postponed due to H1N1 Flu

2009-06-07T03:02:00.004-05:00

Miss Leisure Pageant

Miss Bikini International

Read their notices online at Miss Bikini International and Miss Leisure Pageant

19th Annual Miss Exotic World Pageant

2009-06-07T02:48:00.002-05:00

The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend rages on at the Orleans Showroom with The 19th Annual Miss Exotic World Pageant hosted by El Vez and Miss Astrid.

View Burlesque Hall of Fame

'Miss Atom' and other weird Beauty Pageants

2009-06-06T07:50:00.004-05:00

Even though the Cold War is over, Russia is still celebrating its explosive power. This week was the 2009 Miss Atom beauty pageant. Entrants must work in the nuclear industry and have killer looks. The contest just crowned its sixth winner, Yekaterina Bulgakova from the Institute Of Research For Atomic Reactors. She got a big reaction from voters who fell for her steamy bikini pics. What’d the mushroom cloud mama win? An all expenses paid trip to Cuba! Yeah, cause we really want to send a nuclear expert there.

The Real Thing-Vanessa Williams

2009-06-03T00:25:00.002-05:00

When it comes to talent, Vanessa Williams is a multi-threat. She was the first African-American Miss America, she's starred in countless movie and theatre roles, she's sold millions of records, including her signature song, “Save the Best for Last,” which spent five weeks at the top of the charts, and she plays the delightfully bitchy Wilhelmina Slater on the ABC hit Ugly Betty.

Now Williams is returning to music again with the release of The Real Thing on June 2. The songstress’ eighth album -- a work in progress for the last two years and her first on Concord Records -- follows her last release, 2005's Everlasting Love which featured her favorite love songs from the ‘70s. Williams says she’s “going back to what’s familiar” by hand-picking songs she describes as a hybrid of samba, bossa nova, salsa, pop and R&B and all built around the theme of love.

We caught up with Vanessa to chat about her new album, President Obama's first 100 days, and how she feels about the Miss California brouhaha.

Out: You remarked the songs on The Real Thing are about relationships and how they relate to the modern-day love affair as seen from a woman’s perspective. How would you describe a modern-day love affair?
Vanessa Williams: What is love? I did a whole song called “Love Is.” But what is it? It’s a theme that seems to be universal -- no matter what language, no matter what sexual orientation. People love. People fall in love. They get hurt by love. Their heart gets wounded by love. Their heart is opened by love. Their heart is hopeful by love.

What is one of the fondest memories you had making this album?
The day they surprised me by bringing Bill Withers in the studio to listen to me record his song, “Hello Like Before.” He came in with his daughter, and I was completely emotional. I called my mom and burst into tears because he reminds me so much of my dad, and he was a huge Bill Withers fan [Williams’ father died in 2006]. Growing up we would listen to him on 8-track in the van all the time on long family trips. Bill Withers is very much a part of my musical background, and it’s great to have his song live on because he’s such a great singer and songwriter.

You’ve been married twice. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned about relationships through your journey with love?
That you never know. It’s always different. There are no answers. I’m one of those people who likes to say, “If I do this; I’ll get a result.” Or, “If I do this; this will happen.” But with love you just never know. Your strength and your vulnerability are always in question. Love is just one of those things that you always strive for. You’re lucky when you get it, and it hurts when it goes away.

Read more at the Source